Adapted from BMJ 26 Oct 2024
Discover more at the 15min-City platform, which showcases how cities worldwide are embracing the 15-minute city concept, where services are accessible within 15 minutes by walking or biking.
https://whatif.sonycsl.it/15mincity/
Re-organising cities so that essential services are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle is an appealing idea. It could reduce carbon emissions, help people get fitter, and reduce inequalities and deprivation.
Apparently most European cities are already at or close to this ideal. However, most cities in North America and the Far East are not set up for this at all.
My nearest city is Glasgow. I lived there for thirteen years in all from the age of 10 to 23. My family didn’t have a car so we walked a lot and took the bus or train when the distances were more than around half an hour. I’m pleased to say that Glasgow does very well in the 15 minute concept. I do know, however, that certain areas eg the Castlemilk housing estate on the south of Glasgow, do not have a supermarket within walking distance. This affects the type, price and quality food that can be purchased, particularly fresh vegetables, meat and fruit.
Otherwise Glasgow does have many beautiful parks thanks to the foresight of the Victorian’s who built them. There are good shopping areas, libraries, museums, transport links, hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists, schools, and sports and entertainment facilities.
The Ayrshire towns in which I have lived are also well set up for many activities but I’m sorry to see the loss of council run sports and library facilities that affect young people in particular.
There is a app called Libby. If you join a library, you can have a loan of e books and magazines totally free. You get them for three weeks before they disappear off your screen.
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